Don't Provoke the Black Lotus O [Transmigration Novel] - Chapter 41

41: All Sisters

The feeling of panic flashed by, and Jiang Ci quickly calmed down.

She wasn’t Gao Yi anymore, and Huang Fu had never seen this face before, so she wouldn’t recognize her.

During her time in Songxiang Town, she hadn’t done anything “strange.” Huang Fu was probably just busy preparing for the new store and happened to know Mo Sanqi. She wasn’t here for her.

She couldn’t let herself get flustered and reveal any flaws.

After sorting out her thoughts, Jiang Ci politely replied, “I’m Master Mo’s disciple.”

Huang Fu had only asked casually. She simply thought that such a beautiful woman was rare, but upon hearing “disciple” she felt a strange unease.

Having managed Huang Runfa for many years, Huang Fu never forgot anyone she had met and usually investigated their background.

Mo Sanqi was a mysterious person.

Huang Fu only knew that she was a wandering doctor with good medical skills, who had settled in Songxiang Town just two years ago.

From what Huang Fu knew, Mo Sanqi had always been a loner—no disciples, no family, no spouse.

“So, you’re her disciple.” Huang Fu mused, maintaining a polite smile. “You’re so beautiful and clever. Master Mo is truly lucky to have found such a treasure.”

Though she spoke of “Master Mo” her gaze lingered on Jiang Ci, her eyes smiling. “I’m Huang Fu. What’s your name?”

Jiang Ci: “…”

The former “junior” who used to follow her around was now calling herself “sister” and was seven or eight years older. Jiang Ci found it hard to accept.

And unless she was mistaken, Huang Fu was flirting with her, using a “beauty tactic”?

No wonder she was the head of the spies. With such an approach, few would refuse to answer, and most would feel a sense of goodwill toward this beautiful woman.

Fortunately, Jiang Ci knew Huang Fu’s identity. She was Xi Lingxue’s person, so Jiang Ci had to be extremely careful.

If it was about acting, she was an expert.

“My name is Jiang Ci. Sister, you’re so beautiful~”

Jiang Ci smiled innocently, behaving like a harmless girl next door, completely normal.

Huang Fu chuckled and couldn’t resist pinching Jiang Ci’s cheek, which was as soft as she had imagined.

Jiang Ci: ???

Huang Fu, you’ve really grown bold, daring to flirt with her now?!

“Jiang Ci, I’ll remember that. Here, take these membership cards for you and your master. When Huang Runfa opens in a few days, come by. There are exclusive gifts waiting for you.”

Heh, really impressive. Membership cards were now being handed out to her, the shareholder…

Jiang Ci politely declined. She didn’t want to get involved with the head of the spies. She wanted to stay as far away as possible. If her identity was exposed, Huang Fu would definitely side with Xi Lingxue!

Mo Sanqi, on the other hand, was thrilled. Free membership cards and gifts? Discounts on future purchases? Why not take them!

“Boss Huang, you’re too kind.” Mo Sanqi smiled and accepted the cards. “Feel free to visit my clinic in the town center. I’ll help you with some health conditions.”

“Master, you—”

“Sure, thank you, Master Mo. I’ll definitely come.”

The two of them made plans directly, leaving Jiang Ci with no way to stop them. She could only force a smile.

Huang Fu soon left, and once she was gone, Jiang Ci muttered, “Master, greed for small gains leads to big losses.”

“What greed?” Mo Sanqi held the two membership cards, still delighted. “This is their goodwill, understand?”

Jiang Ci reminded her, “Master, once you register, all your information will be stored in Huang Runfa’s records. Your name, age, height, weight, preferences—they’ll collect everything!”

“I know, isn’t that great?” Mo Sanqi picked her ear, completely unfazed. “It’s for better service. On your birthday, Huang Runfa will prepare a generous gift based on your preferences. Maybe they’ll give me a bottle of wine. Perfect!”

Jiang Ci opened her mouth but found herself speechless.

She suddenly regretted her past decisions. Why had she come up with so many gimmicks?

Forget it. Mo Sanqi could do as she pleased. Xi Lingxue was after her, not Mo Sanqi. She wouldn’t register!

…

However, Jiang Ci didn’t expect that whether she registered or not, Huang Fu had already set her sights on her.

The reason was simply her beautiful face—no other reason.

If Jiang Ci knew, she would be furious.

Sometimes, beauty was a burden.

After ten years under Xi Lingxue’s influence, Huang Fu was no ordinary spy.

She had strong “professional instincts.” After meeting Jiang Ci that day, she used the princess’s token to access local government records and investigate Jiang Ci’s background.

Unexpectedly, a casual check revealed many surprises.

This “Jiang Ci” was even more mysterious than her master.

She had arrived in Songxiang Town half a year ago, originally a runaway slave from the capital who had taken advantage of the new empress’s amnesty to gain household registration.

Before that, Huang Fu found no information about her.

It was almost as if she had appeared out of thin air.

“Twenty-four years old, and a Qianjun…”

Whose runaway slave was she?

With such stunning looks, her original status must have been high, right?

If she had been in the capital, how could Huang Fu have never heard of her?

Huang Fu stared at the portrait in her hand, deep in thought.

Both master and disciple were suspicious.

…

Due to her spy instincts, Huang Fu visited the clinic the very next day.

It was nearing the end of the month, and Jiang Ci was busy checking accounts and taking inventory. When Mo Sanqi had been alone, the clinic’s management had been chaotic, often leading to unexplained losses.

Mo Sanqi wasn’t there at the moment—she was out on a house call. When Huang Fu entered, she only saw Jiang Ci, who was flipping through an account book, focused.

“Dr. Jiang?”

Hearing the familiar voice, Jiang Ci’s heart tightened. She hadn’t expected Huang Fu to actually show up after their casual conversation the day before, and so quickly at that!

Jiang Ci felt nervous. She closed the account book and smiled. “Sister, are you here to see my master?”

“Yes.” Huang Fu replied with a smile. “I’ve been having poor appetite and frequent headaches lately. I wanted to ask Master Mo for help.”

“Ah, I see.” Jiang Ci said. “Please have a seat. She should be back soon. Let me get you some water.”

“Thank you.”

Jiang Ci tried to act naturally, unsure if Huang Fu had noticed anything.

Her background couldn’t withstand scrutiny. She had “appeared” in this world at the age of twenty-four, with no prior history.

The runaway slave story might fool Mo Sanqi, but it wouldn’t hold up against Huang Fu. Huang Fu knew the capital well and had the means to dig deeper.

Jiang Ci regretted her earlier decision. Why had she mentioned the capital? She should have made up some other place. But the truth was, she only knew the capital—she hadn’t been anywhere else.

No matter what, there were bound to be flaws.

Jiang Ci was frustrated. She could only hope that Huang Fu wouldn’t recognize her and connect her to Gao Yi.

Honestly, while she had been sleeping, Huang Fu had been honing her skills for ten years. Wasn’t that terrifying? Even if they had been close in the past, Jiang Ci couldn’t predict Huang Fu’s actions now.

She had also asked Mo Sanqi about Huang Runfa. Now, Huang Runfa had hundreds of branches across Yu Kingdom, covering nearly 70% of the nation’s territory, dealing in clothing, fresh produce, cosmetics, daily necessities, and more.

Jiang Ci almost cried when she heard this.

This was the strategic plan she had personally devised back then. Huang Fu had truly worked hard over the past decade.

But now, Huang Runfa was of no help to Jiang Ci.

On the contrary, it was a direct threat!

Jiang Ci felt like she had shot herself in the foot, weaving a giant net that was now closing in on her.

If her identity was exposed, what were the chances she could escape? She might not even be able to stay in Yu Kingdom!

Jiang Ci left the counter, and Huang Fu took the opportunity to glance at the account book Jiang Ci had been working on. A quick scan revealed nothing unusual.

Jiang Ci soon returned with a cup of water, and Huang Fu thanked her.

Instead of sitting down, Huang Fu wandered around the clinic, examining the layout and decorations, casually chatting with Jiang Ci.

Jiang Ci was on high alert. Huang Fu’s questions seemed casual, not probing, as if she was just curious about an old friend. Occasionally, she would gossip, never crossing the line, always maintaining a balance.

Jiang Ci’s palms were sweaty. It felt like walking a tightrope, carefully choosing every word. She couldn’t let any modern terms slip out.

But despite her caution, there was a slip-up. Huang Fu accidentally glanced at a piece of scrap paper on the table and paused for a moment.

Jiang Ci was puzzled and followed her gaze. Her heart skipped a beat.

While taking inventory earlier, she had jotted down a few numbers—using Arabic numerals!

Oh no…

Jiang Ci froze.

Huang Fu knew Arabic numerals—she had taught them to her herself! Huang Runfa still used them!

Huang Fu stared at the number “6” her eyes fixed. “This is…”

“This… this…” Jiang Ci’s heart was in her throat. In a panic, she blurted out, “This was written by my master!”

“Your master?” Huang Fu’s gaze flickered.

“Yes.” Jiang Ci cried internally but maintained an innocent, slightly puzzled expression. “What’s wrong, sister? Is there something about this ‘tadpole’?”

She deliberately called it a “tadpole” refusing to admit it was a number.

After all, it was just a “6” It could easily be dismissed as a doodle or a symbol.

Huang Fu picked up the paper, stared at it for a while, then sighed and put it down. “It’s nothing.”

Jiang Ci slowly exhaled, realizing she was drenched in cold sweat. Those few minutes felt like a rollercoaster ride.

She was scared now. She wasn’t the Marquis of Dingyuan anymore—just a commoner with no right to be arrogant.

Fortunately, Huang Fu didn’t press further and fell into deep thought.

Jiang Ci glanced at her several times. Huang Fu had changed so much over the past decade, almost unrecognizable from the person she remembered.

When they first met, Huang Fu had been a small shop owner bullied by Wang Shichang, unable to stand up for herself. Now, she was a confident, mature woman, beautiful and gentle, but hard to read.

Jiang Ci couldn’t help but sigh. Once close friends, now they couldn’t even acknowledge each other. What a pity.

Huang Fu was busy and likely wouldn’t stay in Songxiang Town for long. If Jiang Ci could just hold out a little longer, their paths would diverge again.

Let it be. No interference, no memories—best to forget each other.

The clinic was quiet, with only the sound of Jiang Ci flipping through the account book. Both women were lost in their thoughts.

Half an hour later, Mo Sanqi returned.

Unsurprisingly, she had bought wine on the way and was already tipsy, her face flushed. She was supported by a Kunjun woman who helped her back to the clinic.

Huang Fu stood up at the noise and looked at Mo Sanqi. “…Master Mo.”

Jiang Ci’s eyelid twitched. She quickly went over to support Mo Sanqi, sensing something heavy in Huang Fu’s tone.

Because of the “6” Jiang Ci guessed that Huang Fu was somewhat suspicious and might try to probe further. But Mo Sanqi wasn’t her—she wouldn’t reveal anything.

Mo Sanqi, supported by Jiang Ci, sat down on a chair. She squinted at Huang Fu and finally recognized her. “Boss Huang? You’re quick. Are you feeling unwell? Let me take a look.”

Huang Fu didn’t move. Instead, she picked up the piece of paper, her eyes dark. “Master Mo, did you write this number?”

She emphasized “number.”

If it was “Gao Yi” she would understand.

Mo Sanqi, drunk, frowned and looked at it. “What kind of scribble is this? I don’t know. Did A Ci write it?”

Jiang Ci, of course, wouldn’t admit to it. She remained silent, pretending to be innocent.

Huang Fu saw clearly that Mo Sanqi was deflecting, unwilling to admit anything.

While sitting there earlier, Huang Fu had thought a lot. A year ago, when she first came to Songxiang Town, she had caught a severe cold on the way. By chance, Mo Sanqi, who was passing by, had helped her. One dose of medicine later, and she had started to feel better.

Not only that, Mo Sanqi had generously given her several bottles of tonic pills.

“Just a few bottles of medicine. You’re so beautiful—I’m happy to give them to you.”

Those were Mo Sanqi’s exact words at the time. Now, thinking back, the reason seemed too flimsy.

A chance encounter, and she had not only treated her but also given her medicine?

So, was that meeting really a coincidence?

Mo Sanqi had traveled extensively and must have seen much. And “Gao Yi” had many strange, novel ideas and had been to places they had never heard of. Didn’t that match?

She was always drunk—was it because of heartbreak, drowning her sorrows in alcohol?

She refused to admit it because she had been hurt too deeply in the past.

The more Huang Fu thought about it, the more shocked she became. Could she really be “Gao Yi”?

“Master Mo,” Huang Fu suddenly grabbed Mo Sanqi’s arm, staring into her eyes. “Her Highness has been looking for you.”

If there was even a second of hesitation, Huang Fu would have noticed.

But Mo Sanqi just looked puzzled. “What Highness? Why is she looking for me? Are you running a fever?”

With that, under Huang Fu’s stunned gaze, Mo Sanqi reached out and touched her forehead. “You don’t feel hot…”

Jiang Ci pursed her lips, too nervous to speak.

Thankfully, she had pushed it onto her master. If it had been her, she might not have been able to act so naturally.

Xi Lingxue wasn’t looking for her—she was trying to capture her! She had already been thrown into the dungeon!

Huang Fu wasn’t ready to give up. She tentatively called out, “Sister Yi?”

There was a hint of sincerity in her voice.

It wasn’t just because of Xi Lingxue—she also missed “Gao Yi.” Without “Gao Yi” she wouldn’t be where she was today.

Back then, hiding her identity had been necessary. She couldn’t betray Xi Lingxue.

If by some miracle “Gao Yi” could be found, she truly wanted to apologize for what had happened. She owed her too much.

Hearing “Sister Yi” again, Jiang Ci was also moved. She lowered her head slightly, thankful that Huang Fu’s attention wasn’t on her and didn’t see the sadness in her eyes.

“Sister Yi?” Mo Sanqi hiccuped. She stared at Huang Fu for a moment, then chuckled. “Girl, are you even drunker than me? You’re calling me ‘Sister Yi’ now? Is she your lover?”

Mo Sanqi’s reaction was completely natural, without a hint of hesitation.

Huang Fu was taken aback, her eyes filled with disappointment. After a moment, she let go.

“No, she’s an old friend of mine.”

Jiang Ci quietly watched this scene, feeling a pang of melancholy.

If one day, Xi Lingxue no longer hated her, and she herself had truly let go, perhaps she and Huang Fu could be friends again.

“An old friend? She must have been rich.” Mo Sanqi said with a smile.

“Yes.” Huang Fu sighed, then turned her gaze back to Mo Sanqi for one last attempt. “Huang Runfa has always kept your shares.”

Mo Sanqi was startled. “What? Huang Runfa shares? They’ve been keeping them for me?!”

“Ahem, Master.” Jiang Ci couldn’t help but cough lightly to remind her. “We can’t just claim something like this…”

She couldn’t let Mo Sanqi get involved and end up being interrogated in the dungeon.

Jiang Ci thought Mo Sanqi would argue, but instead, she paused for a moment and said, “No, I don’t want them.”

After several rounds of probing, Huang Fu had deliberately brought up points that Jiang Ci knew, but Mo Sanqi didn’t, and her reactions didn’t seem feigned. Huang Fu decided not to press further.

Despite being drunk, Mo Sanqi could still diagnose. She quickly wrote a prescription and instructed Huang Fu to take care of herself. Jiang Ci prepared the medicine, and after a few more polite exchanges, Huang Fu paid and left.

Jiang Ci felt a huge weight lift off her shoulders. Dealing with Huang Fu was more exhausting than a full day of consultations. Huang Fu was truly difficult to handle now.

Regardless, after this encounter, Huang Fu probably wouldn’t investigate her further.

Eccentric personality, suspected delusions—she had none of that. At most, her background was unclear. But there were plenty of people with unclear backgrounds in the world.

Jiang Ci put her thoughts aside and turned her attention to Mo Sanqi, who had surprised her earlier.

“Master, I really didn’t expect you to turn down Huang Runfa’s shares.”

Mo Sanqi lay back in her reclining chair, drinking wine, her body swaying. “What’s so surprising about that?”

Jiang Ci said, “The point is, it’s you! That’s what’s strange!”

Jiang Ci knew Mo Sanqi was mysterious. In the past, she wouldn’t have asked, but Huang Fu’s appearance had brought a sense of crisis.

Mo Sanqi’s casual acceptance of her as a disciple was also suspicious!

Jiang Ci narrowed her eyes. “Master, do you have some hidden identity?”

Mo Sanqi, holding her wine gourd, said frankly, “Yes, I do.”

…

Huang Fu returned to the inn and immediately wrote a note, sending it by carrier pigeon.

She had almost given up hope, but the last attempt had reignited her suspicions.

Who could refuse Huang Runfa’s shares so decisively? Without even asking for details?

If Mo Sanqi had agreed, Huang Fu wouldn’t have found it strange—after all, who wouldn’t want unexpected wealth?

But Mo Sanqi hadn’t.

After ten years of searching, fewer and fewer people caught Huang Fu’s attention.

The storytellers in Songxiang Town were exaggerating. How could everyone require the personal attention of the former empress and current princess? No, the term they used was “interrogation” which was even more absurd.

Many people Huang Fu met were quickly dismissed, never making it to Xi Lingxue.

Mo Sanqi was special. First, her past was mysterious, with little information available. Second, she did share some similarities with “Gao Yi” though she was older.

Huang Fu couldn’t figure her out and didn’t want to alert her, so she decided to call for backup.

She was still fixated on the number “6.”

The carrier pigeon flew north, toward the capital.

After the Marquis of Dingyuan died without an heir, the title and estate were reclaimed.

The former marquis’s residence was now the princess’s palace.

While outsiders believed Xi Lingxue was mourning her deceased husband, only a few close to her knew the truth—she was longing for someone else.

In the bedroom, the scent of plum blossoms filled the air.

On the bed, a beautiful woman was drenched in sweat, her thin nightgown clinging to her body, revealing her curves. The collar was slightly open, showing her fair, delicate skin, with a hint of spring.

Xi Lingxue weakly opened her eyes. The persistent fever had turned her eyes a deep red. Confusion and chaos swirled in her gaze as she lay there, struggling to distinguish dream from reality.

Her head still felt heavy. Xi Lingxue finally remembered—she had fainted again due to her heat.

“Jin Yu…” she called softly, pulling her clothes tighter as she sat up, her long hair cascading over her shoulders.

Jin Yu had been waiting outside and immediately entered upon hearing her voice. “Your Highness, how are you feeling? Are you better?”

As a Zhongjun, she couldn’t smell the pheromones.

“Much better.” Xi Lingxue looked up, her eyes glistening. “Where has Huang Fu been lately? Any news?”

As soon as she woke up, this was the first thing she asked. Jin Yu sighed. “Your Highness, don’t you remember? She’s in Songxiang Town. No news yet.”

“Oh.” the woman seemed dazed. After a while, she said, “Prepare for departure. We’ll leave today.”

Since Huang Fu was in the south, she would head north this time. If it weren’t for her heat, she would have left earlier.

Jin Yu was helpless. For the sake of a fleeting spirit, they had traveled incognito countless times over the years.

Now that Xi Lingxue was a princess and didn’t need to attend court, she was even more reckless in her travels. Except for important matters, she rarely stayed in the capital.

To find “Gao Yi” they had tried every method, and now only the most tedious path remained—personally walking the earth, hoping for a stroke of luck.

Others might think Xi Lingxue was mad, but Jin Yu, who had been by her side all along, understood.

Years ago, Xi Lingxue had already ascended to the throne, becoming the supreme ruler of the land. The crown prince and the Yao family had been punished, her mother’s vengeance fulfilled, and those around her lived in peace and prosperity. The empress was omnipotent—anything she desired was but a word away.

And then?

There was no “and then.”

She had reached the pinnacle of the world, seen unparalleled sights, and possessed everything, yet she remained lonely.

“Gao Yi” was gone, but Huang Runfa, which spanned Yu Kingdom, was her creation. Most of the court’s important officials had been recommended by her. Even the plum trees in the backyard had been planted at her command…

It seemed as though her presence was everywhere, as if she had never left.

“Gao Yi” was irreplaceable. She was a miracle in Xi Lingxue’s life, her arrival and departure both beyond belief.

The woman stubbornly believed that “Gao Yi” was still in this world.

Although no one else agreed, no one had the heart to shatter her illusion.

This was Xi Lingxue’s only hope. Beyond this, nothing else held her interest—even living felt meaningless.

“Your Highness, the north is too cold. Your body is too weak now.” Jin Yu said. “If you really want to go out, why not head south? You could visit Songxiang Town. It’s scenic, and we’ve never been there. Plus, Sister Huang Fu is there.”

Xi Lingxue hesitated.

“You must take care of your health, Your Highness.” Jin Yu had long mastered the art of coaxing her. “What if we run into ‘Gao Yi’? You can’t meet her while you’re sick, right?”

“Alright…” the woman nodded blankly. “Then we’ll head south.”